Gabriela slams ‘obscene’ clothing line

MANILA, Philippines — Gabriela Women’s party list on Saturday condemned what it described as “shameless” promotion of a T-shirt line, which supposedly treats women as objects of sexual desire.

In a statement, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas called on the owners of Kain Pepe clothing line to correct the “damaging error” of reducing women as mere objects in its latest T-shirt designs.

“Women are not objects of pleasure and satisfaction. This shameless advertising and display of merchandise that degrade, objectify and hypersexualize young girls contribute to gender stereotypes that trivialize violence against women and children,” she said.

The group was reacting to posts by the owners on social media promoting the Kain Pepe clothing line, but using ladies in skimpy clothing as models. The posts have triggered a public controversy, with most netizens decrying the supposedly obscene portrayal of women by the T-shirt designers.

Gabriela offered to provide gender sensitivity training to the brand’s owners, supposedly to “heighten their awareness of gender concerns and be willing to respond to gender issues.”

“We also encourage women to register the widest indignation over the rampant misogyny and sexism pervading our society,” Brosas said. —MELVIN GASCON